IIT Roorkee inaugurates Design Innovation Centre (DIC)

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 17: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee has launched the Design Innovation Centre (DIC) named (Navonmesh)with a project outlay of Rs. 10 crores. Funded by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) the centre aims to address issues of the Himalayan Region using locally available resources as well as cater to National Priorities.

Inaugurating the centre, Prof. Ajit K. Chaturvedi, Director-IIT Roorkee said, “The technical/non-technical colleges/institutes and schools can involve themselves in mentoring and supporting innovation and design activities, to address general issues & issues specific to the Himalayan region. This will also help Indian Farmers and develop innovative means & ways to enhance their growth & productivity. The centre will usher in a new culture among the stakeholders of the state to address the difficulties faced by the common people in their daily life. The emphasis is on the development of a design culture and interdisciplinary work. All infrastructural support will be provided to the centre to make it one of the leading centres.”

Prof. PVM Rao, Head of the Department of Design at IIT Delhi, while speaking as the guest of honour, explained the concept of such an innovation centre and said, “I have full confidence on IIT Roorkee for accomplishing the targeted tasks. I am happy about the unique programs targeted by Design Innovation Centre at IIT Roorkee. A centre of design would make tools and technology accessible to make human life easier while solving many environment-related problems.”

The DIC's objective is to develop innovative designs primarily to address the local issues which need low-cost solutions and to nurture and advance the culture of design and innovation in the region to improve the quality of life. The DIC aims to produce region-specific products and will support innovative proposals for product development.